Ellen Butler

When Karina Cardinal accidentally interrupts her boyfriend¿s father and his secretive guest, she senses they¿re hiding something. Maybe the painting she barely glimpses right before it disappears behind a secret panel.If she¿s right, he could be in possession of a stolen masterpiece. Infamous because everyone close to it has turned up dead, execution style.Should she back off while she still can? Dig deeper? Or seek help from her old flame, FBI agent Mike Finnegan? Because she¿s already being watched. And the next move she makes could destroy innocent lives¿including her own.

Isabella's Painting

Alexia Adams

Olivia Logan

Susanne Matthews

Dashing, handsome, and with money to burn... It's a devastatingly sexy combination for these eight successful and commanding heroes as they search for the women who make their lives richer with laughter, passion, and love. The Tycoon's Wager: To boost ratings and save her radio show, agony aunt CJ Stratt has no choice but to agree to a series of publicity dates with London's renowned playboy, Jack Harper. Jack knows seduction, but he has no idea how to love. Love is CJ's business, yet she's never been seduced. Can they find their way to a happily ever after? Just for the Weekend: Multimillionaire Sam Mason is sick of gold diggers. When he meets a role-playing kindergarten teacher at a sci-fi convention in Vegas, she seems like the real thing. Then--surprise!--he wakes up married to this sexy stranger...only to find his new bride has vanished. Is he looking for a swindler or the love of his life? An Inconvenient Love: To expand his real estate business, Luca Castellioni needs an English-speaking secretary and a wife, so he strikes a bargain with the first pretty face to cross his path. But now Sophia Stevens fascinates him, and he wants more marriage and not so much convenience in their agreement. Too bad his wife has reconstructed her own life, without him. Can love overcome the obstacles between them? Heart of Design: Hollywood playboy Ian O'Connor has women falling at his feet, but interior designer Sophie Hartland refuses to be one of them. Sophie's a refreshing change from the actress wannabes trying hop aboard Ian's new gravy train of success. But is her disinterest just an Oscar-worthy act? Hiding from Hollywood: When movie producer Ethan Walker walks into Abby's diner, she's terrified. The last thing she wants is her name connected with his when her life is now about hiding from the tabloids. But when she's left without a safe place to stay, Ethan offers her sanctuary in his home, and Abby must decide whether she can finally stop running and trust Ethan with her secret. The Spanish Acquisition: When multibillionaire business mogul Carlos meets struggling art student Lily on vacation in the Dominican Republic, sparks fly. But can they overcome their differences as well as a mix-up of mistaken identity? Fearless Love: Jake Colt has no interest in handling the Carmichael winery acquisition, but he has little choice considering the business agreement he made with his father. Madison Carmichael refuses to let this interloper take what belongs to her family, no matter what passions he stirs in her heart. When two opposing forces clash, sparks are bound to fly... High Octane: Fueled: Maddux Bates's Formula One career needs an overhaul this season--not the scandal of an affair with a multimillionaire sponsor's girlfriend. But there's more to Brynn Douglas's story--and motivations--than meets the eye, and the flame between them burns hot. Falling in love on the F1 circuit is a crash course in adrenaline. Sensuality Level: Sensual

8 Rich and Famous Heroes to Adore

Tall, Dark, and Wealthy

If any day calls for a soothing glass of wine, it's today.One moment, Capitol Hill lobbyist Karina Cardinal is having a heated discussion with Senator Harper, who just torpedoed her latest health care legislation initiative. The next, after a cryptic remark, the senator is dead at her feet. Hours later, she's still so rattled she wakes to a freezing apartment because she forgot to close her back door. Or did she?When her boyfriend, FBI cybercrimes expert Mike Finnegan, is suddenly reassigned to work a new case, he's got bad news and worse news. The bad: the senator's death was no heart attack-it was assassination by a hacker disabling his pacemaker. Worse: Karina's a "person of interest". Certain that status could change to "suspect" at any moment, Karina begins her own back-channel investigation into who could have wanted the senator dead. Of course, in Washington, that means playing politics and following the money trail. A trail that leads to more murders¿and possibly leaving the door open for a killer to change her status to "dead."

Fatal Legislation

Ellen Butler presents Book 3 int he Karina Cardinal Mystery series.

Diamonds & Deception

Margaritas, mayhem, and murder. Too bad her only defense is a cocktail umbrella.After some of Karina Cardinal's recent adventures-her lover Mike Finnegan would call them scrapes, jams, or pickles-she's more than ready to blow this D.C. pop stand for a short girls' trip to Mexico. Until Jillian's roller skate wreck blows their plan out of the water. With Jilly injured and Mike working, her fellow lobbyist Rodrigo volunteers to share some sun, sand, and margaritas in Cancun. It's tough to relax, though, knowing what's in her suitcase. A package she promised to hand off to Mrs. Thundermuffin in Mexico.Mrs. T's evasive maneuvers around Karina's questions wave more red flags than a bullfighter, leaving Karina no choice but to take a peek. Okay, so it's not a kilo of something illegal. It's an Egyptian death mask that turns out to be a magnet for crooks, conmen, kidnappers, and outright killers.When the situation explodes into chaos, Karina and Rodrigo are lucky to have friends in the right place-at their backs. But they're in one hell of a jam. And they could be going home in something tackier than a souvenir t-shirt-more like a body bag.International bestselling and award-winning author Ellen Butler presents book four in the Karina Cardinal mystery series! Fans of Melinda Leigh, J.D. Robb, and Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum will adore this gripping mystery adventure.

Karina Cardinal Mystery, 4

Pharaoh's Forgery

Karina Cardinal and Mike Finnegan are splitsville, but when the FBI claims he took a $1.2 million bribe? No and no and no. When a mysterious burner phone shows up in her pocket, she knows it's from Mike, who's deep undercover and so far off-grid, he needs help to figure out who's framing him-and why. Classic Karina, she jumps in with both feet, ignoring the dangers. The trouble with leaping before you look? You can land in a world of dirt. And when an old enemy starts playing hardball, you can end up six feet under it.

Swindler's Revenge

Poppy Reagan is a Type A personality who runs her professional life with the precision of a Swiss watch. After catching her latest boyfriend cheating, she decides it’s time to take her dating life as seriously as she does her business. She swears off the bad boys and strategically maps out a plan to find an honest, attractive man to become her life partner. As she works her way through a summer of dates ranging from crazy to plain boring, she begins to wonder if her soulmate’s even on the same coast. Her foolish emotional spirit secretly yearns for the sexy Ohio dermatologist she met on a trip to Hawaii last year. The one who she insists is “just a friend,” because she refused to engage in a long-distance relationship. Will her heart overrule her head and move this California girl to the Midwest? Sensuality Level: Sensual

Planning for Love

Lynn Cahoon

Alicia Hunter Pace

Jennifer Lawler

Tami Lund

Casey Dawes

Peggy Bird

Jasmine Nightshade

A picture paints a thousand emotions in these eight tales of colorful romance. Don’t miss a stroke of these wonderful stories of inspiration and passion. Heath’s Hope: Ambitious Hope MacKenzie left Heath Beckett with a bleeding heart, but now she’s back in town to aid her family’s struggling bank. When she gives a personal loan to the women who own the local knitting shop without consulting Heath, who has helped them with their finances for years, the two must work together to ensure the ladies’ business plan is in tip-top shape. But will sharing their time reawaken deeper feelings? Sweet Tooth: Artist Micah Taylor has returned home to Fiesta, Florida, after the death of the father who disowned him. When he decides to buy his father’s favorite candy to lay on his grave, it leads to a scorching-hot reunion with Sweet Tooth store owner Cash Callahan. Micah wants to publicly celebrate their rekindled feelings, but Cash fears the backlash from small-town minds intolerant of both gay and interracial romance. It’s up to Micah to convince him that life is sweeter when you’re true to yourself. Sparked by Love: If artist Leo Wilson can get the okay to install his glass fireworks at Fort Vancouver on the Fourth of July, it could be his big career break. But some crabby bureaucrat stands between him and the permits he needs. He’s surprised to discover the culprit is actually beautiful, young Shannon Morgan, and even more shocked when fireworks ignite between them. Delicious Deception: Artist Emily Kate Boudreaux spends her days running a restaurant on a Texas bayou because it’s what her family expects. Then sexy chef Connor Rikeland walks into her life and turns her business—and her bed—into one hot adventure. But his story is a sham, and Cajun cooking isn’t his ticket to fame after all. Emily Kate must decide what’s real, what’s a lie, and what’s worth risking her heart over. The Bull Rider’s Keeper: Rodeo star Jesse Sullivan isn’t afraid of anything…except maybe following his secret dream of being an artist. When he decides to take a chance and make an offer on an art gallery, owner Taylor DeMarco teaches him what it means to be truly fearless. Ruby’s Reward: When Ruby Rendell’s vindictive ex accuses her of illegally trading stolen artwork, she makes just one mistake in her defense: she lets her body outwit her brain. Her affair with her ex’s sidekick, Raphael Gianetti, is definitely a bad idea…but it feels so good. Art of Affection: Holly Hartland has spent the last year in Los Angeles finalizing her divorce and getting her career as an art gallery curator back on track. The platonic co-parenting role she shares with LAPD detective Gary Sumner is perfect for two people who’ve sworn off romance, but the burgeoning sexual chemistry they share proves hard to ignore. Montana Christmas Magic: Former tennis pro Logan Collins inherits a cabin in rural Phillipsburg, Montana, that he’s not allowed to sell for six months. It’s just enough time to start a sweet relationship with artist and temporary chocolatier Julie Thompson. But despite the trappings of permanence—a dog, a horse, and a woman who brings light into his dark days—his life is still in New York. Can he persuade Julie that Christmas in Manhattan is just as inspiring? Or will the holidays put the final wrap on their relationship? Sensuality Level: Sensual

8 Artistic Romances

Works of Passion

Holly Hartland has spent the last year in Los Angeles finalizing her divorce from an abusive husband and getting her career as an art gallery curator back on track while trying to raise her young daughter. She shares a nanny with LAPD detective Gary Sumner, whose wife ran off to France with another man, abandoning him and his daughter. With full-time careers to juggle, Gary and Holly end up relying on each other to help keep watch over their girls, who've become fast friends. The platonic co-parenting roles they've adopted are perfect for two people who've sworn off romance, but the burgeoning sexual chemistry they share proves hard to ignore. When a Christmas wish puts the children in danger, Holly and Gary are forced to set aside their trust issues and work as a real team to keep their families safe. But can they overcome their baggage enough to open up their hearts to love? Sensuality Level: Sensual

Art of Affection

Making their mark on Tinseltown's movers and shakers is the plan for these savvy businesswomen, but mansions, movie stars, and temptation wait around every corner. You'll love this trilogy of sun-kissed romances featuring three spirited friends and the men lucky enough to win their hearts: Heart of Design: The tabloids portray flirtatious Ian O'Connor as Hollywood's latest playboy, but Sophie Hartland is just there to renovate his bedroom, not become another notch on his bedpost. But Ian finds her a refreshing change from the actress wannabes trying to hop aboard his new gravy train of success. Can Sophie ignore her traitorous libido - and, more important, can she protect her heart in this game of wills? Planning for Love: It's time event planner Poppy Reagan took her dating life as seriously as she does her business. She swears off the bad boys and strategically maps out a plan to find an honest, attractive man to become her life partner. Too bad the sexy Ohio dermatologist wooing her doesn't meet her criteria . . . until her heart overrules her head. Art of Affection: Holly Hartland has spent the last year in Los Angeles finalizing her divorce and getting her career as an art gallery curator back on track. The platonic co-parenting role she shares with LAPD detective Gary Sumner is perfect for two people who've sworn off romance, but the burgeoning sexual chemistry they share proves hard to ignore. Sensuality Level: Sensual

3 Contemporary Romances

Love, California Style

He'll take any chance to win her back... Prominent DC attorney Emma Taylor is pulled away from a promising date the week before Christmas to pick up her ex-fiance from the ER after a bar fight. She's in no mood to re-open old wounds, but it's Christmas and she can't just leave him alone and injured. Eight hundred eighty-four days. That's how much time has passed since Major Colton Evans made the biggest mistake of his life. Even after two tours of duty and too much shrapnel in his leg, it's still the loss of Emma that haunts him. And if he can win her back, he'll take any chance. When she insists he stay with her during the holiday, they put out enough sexual electricity to rival the most decorated house on the block. But will it be enough to light the way to a future together?

Second Chance Christmas

Sophie Hartland has recently turned 30, and is five years out from a confidence crushing divorce. She’s sworn off men in favor of making her interior design business a success when her best friend introduces her to LA Heat’s hot new star, Ian O’Connor. He’s one of Hollywood’s beautiful people, with an Irish accent that makes Sophie’s toes curl. Ian hires her to renovate his home, and at their second meeting he initiates a scorching kiss that knocks her socks off. Even though she would love to drop down and go for it on the funky kitchen floor, Sophie sticks to her guns and enforces her “no dating clients” rule. The tabloids portray flirtatious Ian as Hollywood’s latest playboy who has women falling at his feet, and Sophie refuses to be another notch on his bedpost. But Ian isn’t the type to take no for an answer, and he finds Sophie a refreshing change from the actress wannabes trying to hop aboard his new gravy train of success. Using his charm, he tries to persuade Sophie to break the rules. Can Sophie ignore her traitorous libido and hold Ian off for the next five or six weeks until the renovations are finished? Or will she cave in to his pull on her heartstrings, and end up doing the knicky-knacky on the new velvet sofa? More importantly, can she protect her heart in this game of wills? Sensuality Level: Sensual

Heart of Design

Ellie Darkins

Dana Volney

Carolann Camillo

Jaye Shields

Rue Allyn

Kate Kadence

CJ Petterson

We’ve packed this bundle full of mountains, beaches, Hollywood glamour, sunshine, and wine, delivering romance the way only California can. Join these ten couples as they explore love in the state known for its golden dreams. California Sunrise: Dr. Raúl Mendez finds himself drawn to plucky single mother Alicia Fuentes after he diagnoses her young son on the autism spectrum, but their blossoming relationship must withstand the political and very personal battles surrounding immigration. Heart of Design: The tabloids portray flirtatious Ian O’Connor as Hollywood’s latest playboy, but Sophie Hartland is just there to renovate his bedroom, not become another notch on his bedpost. Ian finds her a refreshing change from the actress wannabes. Can Sophie ignore her traitorous libido—and, more importantly, protect her heart in this game of wills? Paradise Point: Liv Barnette needs a new life. So inheriting 50 percent ownership in Paradise Point marina is a lucky break. The sexy downside? Sharing her windfall with Army Ranger Adam Lark, who will go to any extreme to see her gone…or so he thinks. The Very Thought of You: San Francisco builder Nick Mancini has offered the tenants in his newly acquired apartment house a good deal: twenty-five grand to vacate the premises so he can demolish it for his next project. Molly Hewitt is rallying everyone to hold out for a hundred. Surely he can flirt his way out of this roadblock—or are the stakes too high this time? Urgent: One Nanny Required: Entrepreneur Rania George is offered a sweet gig babysitting a little boy who hangs out at her candy store. The only catch? She has to fly to Hollywood—a place she loathes—and spend three weeks with his devastatingly handsome and arrogant father. Secrets of the Sky: Sparrow Reed might look like an angel, but she’s actually a witch who can change into a songbird. When her best friend’s problems drop Sparrow in an underworld fraught with threats, Rowen Aerion of the Knights of the Fog has his hands full trying to keep her alive—and his love may be her biggest danger of all. One Moment’s Pleasure: Drawn to San Francisco during the Gold Rush, Edith narrowly escapes working in a bordello, but she can’t escape Dutch Trahern, who seeks redemption after his misspent youth. Could he be the key to helping her find her way out of the family tragedy that sent her west in the first place? Hiding from Hollywood: When movie producer Ethan Walker breezes into Abby’s diner, she’s terrified. The last thing she wants is her name connected with his when her life is now about hiding from the tabloids. But when she’s left without a safe place to stay, Ethan offers her sanctuary in his home, and Abby must decide whether she can finally stop running and trust Ethan with her secret. Fearless Love: Jake Colt has no interest in handling the Carmichael winery acquisition, but he has little choice thanks to the business agreement he made with his father. Madison Carmichael refuses to let this interloper take what belongs to her family, no matter what passions he stirs in her heart. When two opposing forces clash, sparks are bound to fly… Deadly Star: An amateur astronomer spots what she thinks is a new comet in the California desert night sky, but her theory is way off base. She’s stumbled onto the government’s top secret, and only her CIA ex-husband can help her find the light. Sensuality Level: Sensual

Ellen Butler

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